CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a Shipley community centre into retirement flats are likely to be approved by Bradford Council.

This summer the Anchor Trust revealed its plans to close the Anchorage Activity Centre on Westcliffe Road, Shipley, and replace it with seven affordable retirement flats.

The centre is part of a complex of flats for over 55s.

Once the proposals were announced a number of community clubs and groups raised concerns about the plans, saying the centre is a key venue for them. The clubs include Shipley Art Club, Shipley Swing Band and

Shipley Musical Union Male Voice Choir. They said the plans would leave them without a base.

The planning application will be decided by members of Bradford Council's Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel tomorrow.

Anchor has acknowledged a number of groups use the facility, but say the building is often empty, and only used 42 hours a week. They say continuing to run the site is not financially viable.

Planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.

Their report to the committee says: "There is sympathy with the comments raised by the objectors regarding loss of what is seen as a valuable local facility for meetings and activities that will be caused by the loss of the Anchorage Centre.

"There have been strong comments that residents of Shipley and the wider area would be adversely affected by the closure of the centre and many may suffer from the loss of the activities and social enrichment that they bring. "However, the Anchor Trust has already made the decision to close the centre and has explained in supporting statements why the facility is not viable and why the alternative, beneficial proposal for additional housing has been submitted.

"The Anchor Trust could choose to close the Anchorage Centre at any time, and that is a decision the Council could not prevent.

"It is also relevant that there are other spaces/buildings within Shipley Town Centre which are equally accessible and which might be hired for use by community groups displaced by the change of use. For example nearby Hall Royd Church Hall, Shipley Library and the Kirkgate Centre all of which could offer alternative meeting points.

"It would be unreasonable for the Local Planning Authority to insist upon retention of an unviable facility and withhold consent for what is also a socially beneficial alternative use to provide sheltered housing."

The panel meets at Keighley Town Hall at 10am.